Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board Annual Meeting Reports Strong Tourism Impact
August 28, 2024
August 28, 2024
Columbia, S.C. — The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board’s (CCLMC) Annual Meeting was held on Thursday, August 22 at the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center. The meeting reviewed CCLMC’s 2023-24 achievements in tourism and economic development across Lexington, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda Counties and previewed plans for 2024-25.
2023-24 Year-In-Review:
Big Fishing Means Big Economic Impact:
Southeastern BBQ Showdown
One of the key achievements of the past year was the creation and launch of the Southeastern BBQ Showdown (SEBBQSD), an ambitious event designed to boost tourism, showcase the local culinary scene, and provide an entertaining experience for the Capital City. The SEBBQSD will be featured on Bally Sports TV on September 7 and 14, reaching a national audience through a two-part series on The Excursion Show. In the coming months, CCLMC will work to refine the event, which may lead to it becoming a bi-annual event.
Explore Lake Murray Country Podcast
Kelly Hughes, Marketing & Communications Manager, has taken on the role of host for the popular podcast Explore Lake Murray Country. In its first year, the podcast has achieved impressive success, ranking #2 on Apple Podcasts for “Travel South Carolina”.
“Last year, CCLMC’s marketing efforts yielded a return on investment of $1,825,444. This investment, which accounted for 71% of the total budget, generated an estimated marketing value of $210,678,608 for the region,” said Miriam Atria, President & CEO.
Looking ahead at 2024-25
The destination marketing organization continues to attract strong national media attention, drawing numerous events and promotional opportunities. “We are excited to welcome the Great Race in June of 2025, a national classic car rally, which will further elevate the area’s tourism appeal with the finish line in Irmo,” said Senior VP of Funding and Events, Vickie Davis.
2024-2025 events were announced: Save the Date!
September 2024
7-8: BFL Super Tournament
26-29: Pan American Kayak Championship
October 2024
6-11: American Bass Anglers National Championship
November 2024
8-12: World Food Championships, Indianapolis, IL (CCLMC Sponsors Team Lake Murray Country)
14: Lake Murray Country Holiday Open House
November 2024 Cont.
16-17: Queen City Kayak Championship
March 2025
6-9: MLF Bass Pro Tour
27: Taste of Lake Murray
April 2025
2-5: Fishers of Men National Championship
25-27: Big Bass Tour
June 2025
28: 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray
29: Great Race (Finish line in Irmo)
Announcements & Awards:
Board of Directors Updates:
Current Ex-Officio Members:
About Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board:
CCLMC is the official source for all things Lake Murray Country. To plan your next trip, find information on attractions, dining, hotels, outdoor recreation, fishing, golf, and events. Explore The Top Southern Destinations of Columbia, Lexington, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda. For more information about CCLMC visit LakeMurrayCountry.com or call 803-781-5940 | 1-866-SC-Jewel. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube
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